Lavrov said it was important for Moscow to understand the "real intentions" of the Trump administration

"We have seen very alarming actions recently with an unlawful attack against Syria," Lavrov said.

"We consider it of utmost importance to prevent the risks of replay of similar action in the future."

Tillerson, the first Trump Cabinet official to visit Russia, said the US and Russia had "sharp differences".

He said he was seeking to "better understand" the differences so that they could be narrowed.

“Our meetings today come at an important moment in our relationship so that we can further clarify areas of common objectives, areas of common interests, even if our tactical approaches may be different,” Tillerson said.